11.30.2011

In addition to our Random Acts of Advent calendar, I wanted to introduce a new advent idea for this Christmas season. I love and adore children's picture books and, being an illustrator myself, have quite a collection of them. As of last year, I decided that I wanted to collect enough children's Christmas picture books to be wrapped, opened and then read every day in December up until Christmas. I was hoping to share this idea with you before the first day of December, but I just recently completed my entire collection of 25 Christmas themed picture books! So what a better day to share the advent fun but on the first day of December?I had a lot of fun wrapping and adorning these books. I used a variety of papers including white butcher paper and a selection of really fun wrapping papers from Fifth & Hazel. The above geometric print is one my fav's.I then used an assortment of trimmings and trappings including simple little tags on which I wrote the days of the month, counting down to Christmas.I know a lot of advent's end on the 24th but I thought it would be fun to read one more story on Christmas night (the 25th) to end the season on a nice note.Collecting 25 books might seem like an endeavor but it's actually not too bad as there as so many greatChristmas and winter themed books out there. In fact, it might be hard to pick just 25! Our little collection began from a few books that were given to us along with a few we had purchased. Last year, when I knew I wanted to do this, I decided to wait until the after Christmas sales to purchase a number of books, which I highly recommend if you want to do this next year. I also purchased a number from the Scholastic book club, which made things more affordable. But I have to say, some of my favorite purchases were made recently from thrift stores. I was able to find an original Golden Book Rudolf and the super great Babaar and Father Christmas book. This one is utterly gorgeous and I can't wait to read it.

So these are the books we're going to be reading this December (and I have to confess that I can't vouch for all of them as I wanted to be surprised with a few of them as well...but I'm sure they're all going to be great).

we're doing this too! or at least we were before my daughter decided to be a 3-year-old who doesn't understand "one each night" and opened all the books this morning. :)

my new favorite (as of bedtime a few hours ago) is the nativity by julie vivas. the text is just the scripture text of the story, which i love...simple and classic. but the illustrations are gorgeous. i teared up they were so beautiful. and it's only $3 at the byu bookstore right now.

My favorite book this time of year is called I Believe in Santa Claus. You can get it here:http://www.amazon.com/Believe-Santa-Claus-Diane-Adamson/dp/0967357101

It goes thru all the attributes of Santa like, his hair is white, he comes in the night etc and then compares them to Jesus (his hair is white, he came in the night). It is so sweet. My oldest has it memorized by now since it rhymes, but it has scripture references in it as well. If I could I would give it to everyone I know.

WoW!!! I’ve been secretely admiring your blog for over a year from the opposite side of the world - Kiev, Ukraine. And finally I can’t help to confess - I’m in love with ALL of your decorative and party ideas, but this is by far my favorite. Considering that I am a bit a children's books hoarder (not compulsive, just passionate...:))), I’m definitely going to hoard with a purpose now: to be ready for next December. Our favorite Christmas book is “God Gave Us Christmas” by Lisa Tawn Bergren (the author of “God gave us you” - which was the first book I started reading to my son even while I was still pregnant :)). Thank you so much for all of your creative juices overflowing even to our side of the planet.:)

Your blog is pure inspiration to me. I can't wait to have children of my own, so I can use the ideas that I get from you. Reading with children is so important, and it makes me happy to see that it's not lost in this digital age. Also, I always dream that my future little ones will have hair just like your boys. Its so lovely!

1. The children's book idea is amazing! You have a wonderfully creative and thoughtful mind. I wonder if I'll ever get to doing this, though, while my kids are young. Maybe I'll have time to do it when I'm a grandma. :)2. The serving tray is a.ma.zing!! That would absolutely go in with best thrift finds ever. How fun!- Merry Christmas

I love this idea about the books and the advent calendar, fresh idea away from toys and candy…one of the books I love to read towards the end of christmas is..The after-Christmas tree…it talks about extending christmas in the outdoors for the animals…really cute book for all ages, thanks for sharing...

I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for this idea. I saw this post last year and immediately started collecting books at post-Christmas sales. My boys have LOVED opening a book every night. This will definitely continue to be a tradition in our house!